A toddler dies from meningitis, governments need to block naturopathic pediatrics

[swag]

http://www.naturopathicdiaries.com/restrict-licensed-naturopaths/

March 10, 2016 by Britt Hermes

You are probably aware of Ezekiel Stephan, a 19 month old boy, who died in 2012, after his parents chose home remedies and naturopathy for the treatment of viral bacterial meningitis. The parents currently are on trial in Canada for failing to provide the necessities of life.

Over the course of many days, Ezekiel’s condition rapidly deteriorated, but his parents chose to “give him as much natural product as possible,” including syrup, frozen berries and a mixture of apple cider vinegar, horse radish root, hot peppers, mashed onion, garlic and ginger root. By the time Ezekiel began slipping in and out of consciousness, a family friend, who is a registered nurse, examined the boy and instructed the parents to take him to the emergency room under the suspicion of meningitis.

Instead, the parents took Ezekiel to a licensed naturopath. His condition was dire. His mother recalled that his body was too stiff to be placed in a car seat, so Ezekiel was put on a mattress in the back of the car. The naturopath then gave a preparation of echinacea without performing a physical exam and did not instruct the parents to seek emergency medical attention. Ezekiel stopped breathing that evening.

Yesterday, we learned the identity of the naturopath who treated this child: Tracey (Pike) Tannis, a licensed ND in Alberta, Canada, and in “good standing.” She graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2003, one of the seven “accredited” naturopathic schools in North America. Her practice interests include cancer, ozone therapy, chelation therapy, minor surgery, and pediatric care.

This story is absolutely heart-wrenching. The loss of a child is, understandably, devastating. And, I feel this sadness. My heart also partially feels for the naturopath who treated Ezekiel. She was faced with a scenario that overwhelmed her training. She had been tricked, like all NDs are, into thinking she was a competent primary care doctor who could use herbs to cure.

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[HuckleB]

1. Yes, they do! K & R!